The Greyhound Dog

OK get this – the greyhound dog was around at the time of the Egyptians! Seriously, dogs the spit of me have been found on ancient tombs dating back to 4000BC. So I’m pretty good for the pub quiz – sport and history are my specialties. I’m not much use on films and TV though. Moving on in time, the greyhound dog was the first of the so-called ‘sighthounds’ and was eventually developed to today’s breed standard in Britain.

Think Warner Bros’ Roadrunner and you probably get the picture. Greyhounds been measured at speeds of over 45mph (72kph) so if I’m in full flight I look like a furry blur. Pretty much everything about me is long – long muzzle, back, legs, tail and neck. My ears are short, which is just as well since long, floppy ears is the canine equivalent of shopping bags when running for a bus.

An indoor running track would be nice but if you’re on a budget I’ll settle for some nearby fields or a beach. If you’ve seen us on the TV, then you’ll know we seem to go in for coats with numbers on the side. Space for a trophy cabinet might not be a bad idea. When not running, I’m typically a quiet, calm type of dog that’s pretty happy just lounging around. We’re built for speed, not endurance so we don’t need long, brutal walks – just a brisk pace or an open space.

If you want me to go around a track chasing that annoying slightly-too-fast hare, then count me in. I’ll try and win you a big shiny cup but don’t get mad if the others are a bit quicker than me. If you don’t want me to race then that’s OK, I have a lot of love and affection to give to anyone.

I’m no miniature so expect me to reach a height of about 30in (76cm). Weight wise I’ll probably look my best at between 65lb-70lb (29kg-32kg).

What's my history?

OK get this – the greyhound dog was around at the time of the Egyptians! Seriously, dogs the spit of me have been found on ancient tombs dating back to 4000BC. So I’m pretty good for the pub quiz – sport and history are my specialties. I’m not much use on films and TV though. Moving on in time, the greyhound dog was the first of the so-called ‘sighthounds’ and was eventually developed to today’s breed standard in Britain.

What do I look like?

Think Warner Bros’ Roadrunner and you probably get the picture. Greyhounds been measured at speeds of over 45mph (72kph) so if I’m in full flight I look like a furry blur. Pretty much everything about me is long – long muzzle, back, legs, tail and neck. My ears are short, which is just as well since long, floppy ears is the canine equivalent of shopping bags when running for a bus.

What do I need from you?

An indoor running track would be nice but if you’re on a budget I’ll settle for some nearby fields or a beach. If you’ve seen us on the TV, then you’ll know we seem to go in for coats with numbers on the side. Space for a trophy cabinet might not be a bad idea. When not running, I’m typically a quiet, calm type of dog that’s pretty happy just lounging around. We’re built for speed, not endurance so we don’t need long, brutal walks – just a brisk pace or an open space.

What I will give in return

If you want me to go around a track chasing that annoying slightly-too-fast hare, then count me in. I’ll try and win you a big shiny cup but don’t get mad if the others are a bit quicker than me. If you don’t want me to race then that’s OK, I have a lot of love and affection to give to anyone.

How big will I get?

I’m no miniature so expect me to reach a height of about 30in (76cm). Weight wise I’ll probably look my best at between 65lb-70lb (29kg-32kg).

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Disclaimer: the views expressed on this page and any comments below are only a guide to typical traits and views on the breed. Individual circumstance and traits will always vary so we can be in no way responsible for any of the information provided.